Original Enrich Torres Cover Painting for Vampirella #97 (July 1981)

Original oil-on-canvas painting by Enrich Torres used as the cover art for Vampirella #97, published in July 1981. This is a particularly extraordinary cover painting, featuring an iconic image of Vampirella with arms stretching to the skies above with a planet and stars behind her. This painting has been locked away in an advanced collection for many years and to the best of our knowledge has never before been seen at auction. Enrich Torres is universally recognized as the master of Vampirella cover paintings. He is responsible for fifty-four of the cover paintings which appeared on the original 112 original Vampirella issues (two paintings appeared on more than one issue). These covers are among the most important and widely recognized works in all of modern illustration art, and are largely responsible for the prominence, success, and popularity of the entire Vampirella line. Few artists were able to capture the horror of the Warren universe so effectively, or to have such a lasting impact on an entire genre. His work is rare, especially ideal examples such as this, and is held in the highest esteem among collectors. Dimensions: 11.75 x 15.75 inches (image area). Matted and framed to total dimensions of 19.5 x 23.5 inches. Reserve $1,000. Estimate (open). SOLD FOR $7,638

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